Keith Haring at Gladstone Gallery in New York. Now showing through July 1, 2011

Keith Haring was born on May 4, 1958. The late artist’s 53rd birthday was celebrated in New York with the opening night gala reception of a Keith Haring exhibit which features 133 previously unseen works on paper at the Gladstone Gallery (located at 515 West 21st Street in NYC). The works are taken from a series called “Manhattan Penis Drawings for Ken Hicks” (1978). Also featured are three large scale works created in 1984 and 1984.

Drawing of Penises in front of the Museum of Modern Art by Keith Haring

Keith’s birthday was celebrated with a lot of love and emotion in the gallery. I overheard many conversations of people sharing their personal experiences with Keith Haring. Spotted in the crowd (and you can see pictures after the jump) were artist Scooter LaForge, rock and roll goddess Debbie Harry as well as Keith Haring’s parents, Joan and Allen Haring.

Scooter LaForge

My experience with Scooter LaForge was so epic that it will be getting its own blog (stay tuned). Let’s just say that we really made this exhibit an interactive experience that we know Keith would have loved!

Debbie Harry

Unfortunately, Debbie Harry was having none of me or other party goers asking for photos (which breaks my heart because I love her so much), so please settle for a spy photo of the goddess.

Joan Haring and Allen Haring

My good fortune had me talking with Keith’s parents, Joan and Allen Haring. They were so sweet! Seeing the love they have for their son was very emotional and inspirational. Keith is one of my heroes, so having the opportunity to talk to his parents and on Keith’s birthday, no less, was almost too surreal to even describe. Thanks so much to Joan and Allen for a moment I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Happy birthday, Keith. You may not be here in physical form, but your spirit and art will live on forever.

Keith Haring at Gladstone Gallery in New York runs until July 1, 2011.